These pulled chicken sandwiches are super tasty and so easy to make! Juicy chicken is cooked until tender and mixed with a yummy BBQ sauce, all piled high on soft buns.
Perfect for a picnic or game day, these sandwiches are sure to please everyone. I love adding extra pickles on mine—adds a nice crunch! 🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. However, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Barbecue Sauce: Your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce will work perfectly. If you’re making it at home, use a basic blend of ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. This allows you to control the sweetness and tang—something I enjoy doing!
Coleslaw: For a refreshing crunch, you can use a pre-packaged coleslaw mix from the store. If you want to customize, make your own with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a simple dressing of mayo, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar.
Pickles: Cucumber pickles are a classic choice. If you want to try something different, jalapeño slices add a nice kick! Sweet pickles work as a tasty alternative for those who love a sweet and tangy combo.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! Here’s how to do it effectively:
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to avoid burning your hands.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. Start at one end and gently pull it toward you. One fork holds while the other shreds.
- If you find it tough to shred, it might not be cooked enough. Just pop it back in the cooker for a bit.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly shredded chicken ready for your sandwiches every time!
How to Make Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 brioche or soft sandwich buns
- 2 cups coleslaw (preferably with purple and green cabbage)
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles (cucumber pickles)
- Optional: extra barbecue sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep. For cooking, if you’re using a slow cooker, it will take around 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. If you’re using an Instant Pot, it will only take about 15 minutes under pressure, plus a little time for natural release. Once everything is ready, assembling the sandwiches will only take about 5 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 7 hours for slow cooking or just 20 minutes with the Instant Pot for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by rubbing the chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper all over them. Make sure the chicken is coated well with the spices for maximum flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth or water to keep it moist during cooking. If you’re using a slow cooker, set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For the Instant Pot, select the pressure cook setting and set it to high for 15 minutes. Once done, let it naturally release if you’re using the Instant Pot.
3. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully take it out of the pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should be tender enough to fall apart easily!
4. Mix with BBQ Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the barbecue sauce. Stir everything together until the chicken is well coated in sauce and heated through. This is where the magic happens!
5. Toast the Buns:
Toasting the brioche buns is a great idea! Just pop them in a toaster or a hot skillet for a minute or two to give them a lovely golden brown exterior, which will help keep them from getting soggy.
6. Assemble Sandwiches:
Now, it’s time to build your sandwiches! Take the bottom half of each bun and pile on the pulled chicken. Then add a generous scoop of coleslaw on top and a few slices of pickles for that perfect crunch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the top bun over the coleslaw, and voilà! Your pulled chicken sandwiches are ready to be devoured. Serve them immediately for an irresistible meal that’s saucy, tangy, and truly delightful!
These sandwiches are simply mouthwatering and are sure to be a hit with family and friends—enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. For the Instant Pot, pressure cook for 25-30 minutes and use the natural release method. In a slow cooker, it’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking.
What Type of Barbecue Sauce Works Best?
You can use any barbecue sauce you love! A sweet and tangy sauce works great, but feel free to try a spicy version if you want to add some heat. Making your own allows for customization too!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat on the stovetop or microwave before assembling the sandwiches.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pulled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, and consider adding a splash of barbecue sauce to keep it moist!